Cleaning guru's trick for removing red wine and gravy stains from fabric

24 December 2023 , 07:00

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There are simple cleaning tips to keep your home looking merry and bright this season (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

While it’s certainly the season to be jolly, it’s hard to keep feeling that way if you’re the one hosting family and friends and the result is spills and stains that leave you and your home looking – and feeling – less than festive.

With more than 80,000 people taking to Google over the holidays to ask for advice on cleaning up the not-so-merry little mess, the experts at Mary’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels have offered their festive advice this season so you and your home can sparkle and shine your way through.

Owner, Allen Civlak, says: “As Christmas festivities commence, the joyous atmosphere can be dampened by the inevitable spills and stains that come with the season. Red wine, cranberry sauce, gravy, wax, soot, and tree sap are just a few of the culprits that can mar your festive décor. The key is to act quickly and use the right cleaning method for the type of stain. With a little effort, you can keep your home looking its best throughout the holiday season.”

Below is the brand’s advice on keeping your home brand new throughout the festivities:

Red Wine Stains

Step 1: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much wine as possible

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Step 2: Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the stain to absorb more liquid

Step 3: Rinse with cold water and apply a mixture of equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide

Step 4: Launder as usual, following care instructions for the fabric

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Grease & Gravy Stains

Step 1: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess grease

Step 2: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb grease

Step 3: Brush off the powder and apply a mixture of dish soap and water

Step 4: Launder as usual.

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Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Scoop off excess sauce with a spoon or knife

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Step 2: Rinse the stain with cold water

Step 3: Pre-treat with a mixture of vinegar and dish soap

Step 4: Launder as recommended for the fabric

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Christmas Tree Sap

Step 1: Freeze the sap with an ice pack or ice cubes in a plastic bag

Step 2: Once the sap is hardened, scrape it off with a dull knife

Step 3: Apply rubbing alcohol to the remaining stain and launder the item

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Glitter

Step 1: Use a lint roller or adhesive tape to pick up loose glitter

Step 2: If glitter is embedded, press a mixture of water and liquid dish soap onto the stain with a cloth

Step 3: Rinse and launder according to fabric care instructions

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Candle Wax

Step 1: Allow the wax to harden, then carefully scrape off excess wax with a dull knife

Step 2: Place a brown paper bag or paper towel over the wax stain

Step 3: Iron over the paper, melting the wax onto the paper

Step 4: Launder the item as usual

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Chocolate Stains

Step 1: Scrape off excess chocolate with a butter knife or spoon

Step 2: Rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the fabric

Step 3: Pre-treat with a mixture of dish soap and water

Step 4: Launder according to fabric care instructions

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Ink Stains

Step 1: Place a paper towel under the stained area

Step 2: Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth

Step 3: Blot the stain until the ink is absorbed by the paper towel

Step 4: Launder the item following care instructions

Emma Rowbottom